How to Engage Long Island Congregations in Economic Justice Advocacy

How to Engage Long IslandCongregations in Economic Justice Advocacy

How to Preach A Justice Sermon: What Works and Doesn’t Work for Clergy and Congregations on Long Island

In 2015 LI Jobs with Justice  hosted a  series of  two-hour focus groups in which 72 faith leaders discussed the challenges they face advocating for economic justice in an affluent suburb.

These focus groups yielded this resource from EMLI partner, Long Island Jobs with Justice.

In this resource, you'll unpack the results of these focus group meetings, including:

  • The pervasive denial of social inequity and economic injustice on Long Island
  • How race and class are the "great divides"
  • The myth of suburban exceptionalism (injustice is a “city” problem)
  • Long Island’s  multiplicity of government jurisdictions prevent coordinated efforts to address the injustices
  • Suburban religious belief that faith is a private and personal journey

This resource also offers tips for how to discuss justice in a congregation and how to form a congregational justice committee. 

For more information, contact Richard Koubek, PhD, Community Outreach Coordinator, Long Island Jobs with Justice.